A Nod to the Neighbourhood
Just steps from The Leinster, there are an abundance of attractions and landmarks that give a glimpse into Dublin's vibrant culture and history.
Ideally located for discovering Dublin or for enjoying a luxury city break in the Irish capital, The Leinster is situated on the southside of Dublin city centre, in the heart of the Georgian neighbourhood. The hotel is a short stroll from the historic Merrion Square Park, which is surrounded by imposing terraced houses dating back to the 18th century. Merrion Square is one of the best-preserved Georgian Squares in Dublin and has been restored to its historic layout, allowing visitors to take a walk back in time.
Discover a bustling city centre filled with charm, character, and tradition through some of Dublin’s most iconic visitor attractions. With a plethora of annual cultural events taking place in Dublin throughout the year, such as The St. Patrick’s Festival, Bloomsday in honour of James Joyce, The International Literature Festival, Taste of Dublin and Dublin Fringe Festival, visitors can experience Dublin's culture and traditions.
Merrion Square
The elegant 18th-century park offers an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of Dublin 2 and is home to a selection of artistic sculptures. Through the years, many historic Irish figures have lived around the square, including the famous Irish poet and playwriter Oscar Wilde. A memorial sculpture in his honour is located in Merrion Square Park. His childhood home, 1 Merrion Square, is now open to the public through the Oscar Wilde House Tour.
Throughout the year, Merion Square Park hosts many open-air events, from art displays to summer and Christmas events. Perhaps, best known for being the home to the Merrion Square Open-Air Art Gallery every Sunday, Dublin’s only year-long free outdoor art exhibition showcasing work from over 200 artists. Merrion Square hosts a weekly food market on Thursdays, with food vendors from all over the world, making it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and try something new.
National Gallery of Ireland
One of Ireland’s top visitor attractions, The National Gallery of Ireland, houses the nation’s collection of European and Irish art. Founded in 1854, the gallery features over 16,300 artworks, with pieces from well-known artists such as Picasso, Johannes Vermeer, J. M. W. Turner, Monet, Jack Butler Yeats, and many more. Throughout the year, the gallery hosts numerous tours and exhibitions, which can be found on the National Gallery of Ireland website. Entry to the gallery is free to all and is only a short stroll from The Leinster.
The Book of Kells
The 18th-century old library at Trinity College Dublin is home to the famous Book of Kells. The illustrated manuscript is said to date back to the 9th century and contains lavishly hand-decorated text of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament in Latin. The book is one of the most famous artefacts in the world with many historians considering it the greatest manuscript of all times.
“Pretty much the heart of Georgian Dublin. Oscar Wilde’s family house, is barely a witty aphorism’s throwaway. So too are St Stephen’s Green, the National Gallery, the Museum of Literature, Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Dublin is a fabulous city to walk and The Leinster is an excellent base from which to set forth.”
_Condé Nast Traveller
Cultural hotspots for your Dublin itinerary
National Museum of Ireland
Located on Merrion Square between Leinster House and the Attorney General’s Office, the National Museum of Ireland is home to geological exhibits and galleries of animals from Ireland. With more than 10,000 scientific specimens, including instinct animals, the museum encompasses an outstanding collection of wildlife and is often referred to as the Dead Zoo. With entry free of charge, you can stroll through the Georgian building and discover one of the oldest public museums in the country.
National Library of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland’s National Library is situated a short walking distance from The Leinster in a building designed by Thomas Newenham Deane. Now home to over 12 million items, including award-winning exhibitions, it offers an insight into the history of Ireland through Irish and Irish-related books, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, and photographs. The National Library of Ireland is free to visit and is only a two-minute walk from the National Gallery of Ireland.
Trinity College Dublin
The prestigious and well-known university, Trinity College Dublin, located on College Green, was founded in 1592 and modelled after the collegiate universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The college has been a centre of learning and scholarship for over four centuries, with many notable alumni, including Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett. Discover the rich history of Trinity College Dublin with a guided tour through the ancient grounds and walk in the footsteps of famous past students.
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